THE SWALLOW. 29 



"FAMILY HIRUNDINID^E. 



^EEBOHM widely dissevers the Swallows from the Flycatchers, placing them 

 vj immediately after the Buntings ; possibly because of the fact that they only 

 possess nine primaries : he says that they " are distinguished by their long pointed 

 wings, slender, wide bills, and small legs and feet. They have no bastard primary, 

 and the second primary is generally the longest. The tarsus is scutellated in 

 front, and the tail is generally forked. The most marked feature in the Swallows 

 is that they have no autumn moult, their new dress being assumed in February." 



The broad bill, small feet, and long pointed wings of the Swallows, appear to 

 me to show some affinity to the Flycatchers ; whilst I find that Hemichelidon fuli- 

 ginosus, which Jerdon placed among the most typical Flycatchers of India, is said 

 to have " very much the aspect of a Swallow, both in colour and structure " (Birds 

 of India, Vol. I, p. 458). That certainly seems a hardly natural classification, which 

 interposes the whole of the Crows, Waxwings, Starlings, and Finches, between two 

 groups of birds so similar in their methods of feeding, and so eminently fitted for 

 an aerial existence as the Flycatchers and Swallows. 



The Hirundinidce constitute a large, interesting, and widely distributed family 

 of very beautiful birds ; their nests, familiar to everyone, are triumphs of skill and 

 perseverance ; and, as regards our three British species, show good distinctive 

 features. 



Although it would hardly be supposed that Swallows were suitable subjects 

 for aviculture ; attempts have been made, with varying success, to keep the whole 

 of our three species : but, to preserve the health of such active birds, a great deal 

 of exercise is a necessity, and a very large aviary a consequent requisite : as cage- 

 birds, Swallows quickly succumb to indigestion from over-feeding, and lack of 

 exertion. 



VOL. II. 



